On April 15, Congressman Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Dave Reichert (R-WA) led a bi-partisan Congressional letter to the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) encouraging the organizations representing the workers and the employers to discuss options to prevent future port disruptions such as the 2014-2015 slowdown…
New California Prop 65 Notices
Professional California Proposition 65 litigants Consumer Advocacy Group, Center for Environmental Health, and Anthony Ferreiro issued new “60-day” notices in the past few weeks alleging that brands and retailers sold Rainwear (Notice 1, Notice 2), Backpacks (Notice 1), and Clothing (Notice 1) and Footwear (Notice 1, Notice 2) in California…
FASA/Gemini Makes Recommendations for CPSC FY 2017 Budget Priorities
On March 18, FASA/Gemini joined a broad swath of industry stakeholders in sending a letter to Congress regarding the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) fiscal year (FY) 2017 budget request. The letter urges Congress to use the appropriations process to ensure that the CPSC fulfills its critical safety mission,…
FASA/Gemini Urges Vermont to Address Critical Issues in New Chemical Reporting Guidance/Regs
On March 15, FASA/Gemini, along with other industry groups, sent comments to the Vermont Department of Health regarding Vermont’s Chemical Disclosure Program Guidance for manufacturers of children’s products, including children’s shoes, clothes, and accessories. The comments highlight concerns that the guidance is burdensome and inconsistent. Separately, FASA/Gemini also continued to…
FASA/Gemini Joins Over 100 Organizations in Support of Adding Fashion Accessories to GSP
On March 25, FASA/Gemini joined over 100 companies and other organizations, including FASA/Gemini members, in sending a letter to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (UsTR) urging the U.S. government to accept all petitions to add fashion acces…
Major Carriers Issue Guidance on New SOLAS Container Weight Rule
On March 21, the Ocean Carrier Equipment Management Association (OCEMA), an association of 18 major ocean carriers, released its Recommended Best Practice for Acceptance and Transmission of Verified Gross Mass (VGM). The document confirms that if a Ver…
New Rise in De Minimis Level Now in Effect
On March 10, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) raised the de minimis level for U.S. imports from $200 to $800. As a result of the increase, shipments under $800 can now enter the United States duty-free with few documentation requirements. The i…
WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement Hits 70 Signatories
On March 1, Paraguay became the 70th World Trade Organization (WTO) member country to ratify the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The agreement, once implemented, will reduce trade barriers and eliminate border transaction costs for U.S. footwea…
Customs Extends ACE Deadline Again
On February 8, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that it has again extended the deadline for the mandatory use of the ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) system. Instead of the current February 28, 2016 deadline, CBP has now created…
Product Safety – Vermont Announces Guidance for Chemical Reporting Regulation
On February 16, the Vermont Department of Health released its draft Chemical Disclosure Program Guidance for manufacturers. Manufacturers are required to report to the Vermont Department of Health when their children’s products contain one or more chemicals of high concern to children. The Department will accept public feedback on the…